Industry marks 20th year of Food Supplements Directive, urges renewed focus on role of supplementation

Industry association Food Supplements Europe (FSE) has paid tribute to the enduring impact and relevance of the EU Food Supplements Directive, which turns 20 this year.

Adopted on 10 June 2002, the Directive was a springboard for the EU’s supplement sector to function effectively. It established supplements as a mainstream food category, providing consumers with confidence in the safety of products sold across the single market. The Directive has also proved influential globally, acting as a model for regulation and a touchstone for formulating cross-border agreements for the international supplement sector.

FSE's Chair, Martina Simova and Patrick Coppens, Director of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs

Prior to adoption of the Food Supplements Directive, the EU’s supplement sector was growing in popularity but there was no specific regional legislation to regulate it. Member states, consumer groups and industry were keen for more effective regulation to ensure the products on sale were safe and that supplement users were not being misled. By establishing a legal framework under food law, based on notification of products instead of registration, and by harmonising the nutritional substances that can be used in food supplements as sources of nutrients, the Directive represented a major leap forward.

Patrick Coppens, FSE’s Director of Scientific & Regulatory Affairs, said: “The primary goal of the Food Supplements Directive, when it was adopted two decades ago, was to protect EU consumers. It has largely achieved this objective. As we mark the 20^th anniversary of the Directive, FSE believes now is a good moment to reflect on the future of the industry and on how supplementation can enable the EU to meet the social challenges we face. Europe is finally emerging from the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, which has encouraged many to think about the role of supplements in helping to increase resilience and maintain wellbeing. Accordingly, FSE is already engaging policymakers and other stakeholders in conversations about the value of supplementation for individuals and society.”

Martina Simova, Chair of FSE, added: “We can feel rightly proud of the positive impact of the Food Supplements Directive. For 20 years, it has provided clarity and nurtured an environment in which reputable businesses can operate and thrive. It has struck a balance between consumer safety and access to supplements. This anniversary gives us the perfect opportunity to explore how we can build on the success of the past two decades and give fresh consideration to the role of supplements in nutrition and health policy. Reflecting this, FSE’s work in the coming months and years will focus on how the industry can help EU member states achieve their health policy goals and build more resilient communities across Europe.”